Merchants Bank, Fairview, To Celebrate With Open House

Merchants Bank in Fairview will celebrate its 5th anniversary, the bank's 75th anniversary, the completely remodeled building, new branch president Niel McWalter, and the semi-retirement of Leslie Tveit all on Friday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From a new look on the exterior, to new offices and a welcoming, efficient space on the interior, Merchants Bank has a fresh, modern feel that visitors and customers will enjoy. Niel McWalter joined Merchants Bank as its branch president in mid December of 2016 and welcomes this opportunity to get acquainted with more people in the area.

The Fairview Bank opened on December 6,1941, the day before Pearl Harbor, with Duncan Noyes as president. The original stately old building still stands on Ellery Avenue. Seventy-nine businessmen and farmers formed the original stockholders with $25,000 in capital stock. The first week of business showed total loans of $150 and total savings accounts of $363. Total interest received the first week was $1.

In 1953, Fairview Bank moved to its current location and then doubled its size in 1963. By then, deposits totaled $6,753,397.62. Walter Shires was president at that time.

On October 14, 2011, the bank was purchased by Merchants Bank of Rugby, which was chartered in 1897. The descendants of one of the original founders, William D. McClintock of Towner, ND, own Merchants Bank to this day.

No matter the bank name or location, the bank has always offered full service with a smile. "We take care of everyone like we want to be taken care of," said vice president Leslie Tveit.

Presidents of the bank from 1941 were Duncan Noyes, A.J. Huber, Edward Towe, Walter Shires, Larry Kohler, Lewis Jordan, Cal Crowe, Leon Langemeier, Leland Swanson, Kenneth Maule, Brent Torgerson and Doug Voll.

Be sure to stop by Merchants Bank this Friday for lunch, or just a treat, visit with the staff and check out all the improvements.